Choice of Subject and Style of Text:Each student's book may be on any subject and in any genre - fiction, non-fiction, biography, autobiography, mystery, humor, science fiction, etc. Text may be written in either prose or poetry. Keep in mind that the best stories have a well-developed beginning, middle, and end.

Interest Level:The student's book must be written at a level that would be understood by and of interest to children who are somewhere within the age range of Kindergarten through Fourth Grade (approximately ages 5 through 9).

Book Dimensions:All books must be eight and one-half inches (8½") wide and eleven inches (11") tall.

Number of Pages:The combination of text and illustrations should be no less than sixteen (16) pages and no more than twenty-four (24) pages. In addition, there must be a Half-Title Page and the Title Pages. Half-Title Page - Consists of one (1) page, which may include: only the Title, or only an illustration, or a combination of both. Title Page - Consists of a two-page spread, which includes: Title, Name of Author/Illustrator, and an illustration.

Number of Illustrations:Students may develop as many illustrations as they choose; however, there must be at least one (1) illustration on every two-page spread.

Choice of Media for Illustrations:Students may develop their own illustrations in any medium of their choice, as long as the illustrations remain two dimensional and flat to the surface of the paper (no pop-ups). They may use pencil, water-color, tempera, ink, colored felt-tip markers, crayon, ORIGINAL computer graphics, or photographs taken by them, etc. If students use pastels, chalk, or any other medium that will rub off, each illustration should be properly sprayed with a fixative.

Type of Paper:Text - Text should be typed on white paper, either computer or regular typing paper.Illustrations - All illustrations should be prepared individually on good quality sketchpad paper or drawing paper.

Type of Text:All text should be neatly typed, double-spaced, and in a 12- to 14-point type. There must be at least a one-inch (1") margin at the top, bottom, and both sides of each page where text appears. The student or another individual may do the typing. For picture books, large primary-size type is permitted. The use of calligraphy or a special style of hand printing is also permitted, but only if it enhances the design and intent of the book.

Rules for Editing of Students' Books:Teachers, librarians, parents, and other individuals may assist the students in the editing of their books for proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Suggestions may also be given for improving the story lines and artwork. However, the finished books must be examples of the skills and imaginations of the students themselves.

Blank Book Construction:Students will need six eleven-inch (11") by seventeen-inch (17") sheets of paper, so that when these pages are folded, they can be bound together into a book that is eight and one-half inches (8½") wide and eleven inches (11") tall. After folding the eleven-inch (11") by seventeen-inch (17") sheets of paper, each page should be inserted one inside another like the stacking of taco shells one inside another.

Placement of Text and Illustrations:Once the blank book is completed, the student can cut and paste the completed artwork and text onto those blank pages. Keeping in mind that there must be at least one (1) illustration and some text on every two-page spread, students may now cut and choose where to paste their materials. For example, a full page of text on one page and a full illustration on the opposite page; or, an illustration that spans a two-page spread, with bits of text cut and pasted somewhere on one or both pages, etc.

IMPORTANT: So a reader may easily follow the story line, it is absolutely necessary that the illustrations reflect the action taking place in the text on that page or two-page spread.

End Sheets:The End Sheets may consist of either white or colored paper.

Binding of Books:Pages (including End Sheets) must be stapled or sewn together on the centerfold, so all pages will lie flat when opened. Side-stitched or plastic comb-bound books are not permitted and will disqualify the book entry.

Book Covers:After the book has been bound, eight and one-half-inch (8½") by eleven-inch (11") pieces of stiff cardboard or chipboard must be glued to both the top and the bottom of the book — similar to a sandwich. This process gives the book the height and firmness needed to look and feel like a real book and will make it easier to accommodate the wrap-around book jacket. Covering the cardboard or chipboard with colored paper is optional.

Book Jackets:Each book must have a loose Book Jacket which wraps around the cover. The Book Jacket should contain a Front Panel, Back Panel, and Spine, and both a Front and Back Flap. All elements of the Book Jacket should be neatly pasted in position on a large sheet of paper, then trimmed to fit the book, offering as professional an appearance as possible.Front Panel - Should contain the Title, the Name of the Author/Illustrator, and an illustration.Front Flap - Should be four inches (4") wide. The copy must be written by the student and neatly typed. It should be a publicity piece that gives a brief synopsis and tells how wonderful the book is. Allow no room for modesty here!Back Flap - Should also be four inches (4") wide. It must include a photograph of the Author/Illustrator, along with a brief, neatly typed biography of the student.Back Panel - For the Contest, the Back Panel may be left blank because the Entry Form must be securely pasted or taped on the OUTSIDE of this panel. If there is already artwork and/or type on the Back Panel, the Entry Form must still be securely pasted or taped on the Back Panel of the Book Jacket.Spine - Must contain the Title and the Name of the Author/Illustrator. Hand lettering is preferred.

Official Entry Form:The Official Entry Form is printed on the last page of these Rules and Guidelines. For additional copies, the Entry Form may be photocopied as needed.

Contest Entries Should Include:1. Only original books; no photocopies.2. An Entry Fee of $10.00 per entry. All payments must be made in U.S. currency. Send only a check or money order (no cash, please), or pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). Please make your check or money order payable to "Landmark House, Ltd.". Be sure to paper-clip the check or money order to the top of the Title Page on the inside of the book. Books that do no include the entry fee will not be accepted.3. A padded Return Book Mailer. To ensure the return of the book, a padded Return Book Mailer, addressed to the student and stamped with sufficient postage, must be included. (Check with your post office to determine the exact amount of postage you need to place on the padded Return Book Mailer.)